Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mawddach station, off the A493, while Coed Garth Gell is 2 miles west of Dolgellau on
the A496.
Cymer Abbey
This Cistercian abbey, founded in 1198, was never especially grand but the ruined
walls and arches are still picturesque, especially when the daffodils are in bloom. There
are walks in the vicinity and nice picnic spots near the river. It's 2 miles northwest of Dol-
gellau, signposted from the A470.
RUINS
THE DOLGELLAU QUAKERS
The Dolgellau area has historical links with the Society of Friends (the Quakers). After George Fox visited in
1657, preaching his philosophy of direct communication with God, free from creeds, rites and clergy, a Quaker
community was founded here. Converts, from simple farmers to local gentry, were persecuted with vigour be-
cause their refusal to swear oaths - in particular to the king - was considered treasonous. Many eventually emig-
rated to William Penn's Quaker community in America. There's an interesting display about the Dolgellau
Quakers upstairs in the tourist office.
Activities
Precipice Walk
If you're not up to scaling Cader Idris, this 3.5-mile circular walk through the private
Nannau estate is surprisingly varied and offers plenty of beautiful scenery. It leads you
through woodland, along the side of a steeply sloped mountain (the precipice in question;
keep an eye on the kids) and beside a lake. Walk the loop anticlockwise for the best views
of Cader Idris, Snowdon and the Mawddach Estuary. The walk starts from Saith Groesf-
fordd car park, Llanfachreth, around 2.5 miles from Dolgellau (it's well signposted).
WALKING
Mawddach Trail
(
www.mawddachtrail.co.uk
)
The 9.5-mile Mawddach Trail is a flat (and in places wheelchair-ac-
cessible) walking and cycling path that follows an old train line through woods and past
wetlands on the southern side of the Mawddach Estuary, before crossing over the train
viaduct to Barmouth (where you can catch the bus back). The trail starts in the car park
beside the bridge.
WALKING
